Not many home-grown community non-profits can claim 42 years of continuous service to families in our beloved Estes Park.

 

It is with thanks and gratitude that our community recognizes the dream and vision of Jean Austin, for creating the Bright Christmas Program in 1984.

 

It was Jean’s belief that ALL children deserve to experience the magic of the Christmas Holidays. Jean took the time to notice the financial needs of many local service workers who could not afford much of a Christmas for their children, and she went straight to work developing a sustainable Christmas giving-program where all could participate, both donor and recipient.

 

Jean did it all in the early years: applied for non-profit status, built a Board of Directors, developed an application process, recruited volunteers and donors, and most importantly, she found the families that needed help and encouraged them to participate. Estes Park lost a true visionary and community-servant when Jean passed away on April 2, but her legacy continues.

 

Forty-two years later, the organization is still going strong, as new leaders and supporters carry on the work begun by Jean all those years ago. In 2025, Bright Christmas helped 111 families and 224 children celebrate the Holidays with gifts, toys, shoes, and gift cards for practical needs. And as Jean believed in keeping the spirit of Christmas alive all year long, the organization also equipped 134 students with school supplies last August, and 85 children with warm winter coats last fall.

 

Jean’s family invites the community to a Celebration of Life on June 8; 3-5PM in the Community Room at Estes Valley Community Center.

 

Community members who have stories or memories of Jean, please send ahead of time to jimdaustin@cs.com.

 

As Bright Christmas kicks off the 42nd year of “Sparking Joy in our Community”, the Board of Directors welcomes gifts in memory of Jean Austin. All donations are fully tax-deductible and can be made online by clicking the DONATE NOW button. Checks can also be mailed to: 

 

Bright Christmas | P.O. Box 2981, Estes Park, CO 80517  **Please note “Jean Austin” in the memo line**

 

For more information about Bright Christmas, please email: BrightChristmas.ep@gmail.com

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Thank you, Jean, for your vision, your tireless work, and your deep love for the Estes Park community. Because of you, Bright Christmas became a place of hope and generosity for families in need. We will honor your legacy by continuing this work—bringing joy, support, and care to our neighbors for years to come.